Chemical Engineering or Chemistry?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Hi everyone, I am in sort of a dilemma. I attend UCSB, and went in as a chem major, however after hearing all of the bleak job prospects in chemistry, I started to think maybe chem-e sounded better. I applied to their school of engineering that had chem-e and I got accepted, but now that I did, I am faced with a decision to choose, chemistry or chem-e. I would love to do chem then grad school, however I don't want to be loaded with another massive amount of debt over my shoulders. My GPA right now is good, it's a 3.9 (a result of ONLY studying, no social life) however I have only taken the basic chemistry, math, and physics series, and if I go on to chem-E, i start the actual engineering classes next year. I don't know how engineering is like, how difficult is it? And lets say hypothetically I do keep up my grades and all and have internships etc and I land a decent paying job. Would getting a job right after college be a good idea? Would I reach a certain point where I can't advance because I only have a BS? Should I go for masters even with the extra debt?</p>

<p>Because if I should just get a masters, I am planning on just continuing with chemistry since it will probably be easier (I can keep up my grades as opposed to the rigorous chem-e program). If masters isn't really necessary, should I just go for chem-E? Thank you!</p>

2

<p>Engineering classes are as difficult as you make them. If you take the time early on to learn the concepts and learn how to apply them in logical steps you should be fine, since you have done fine in math, chem, physics you should do fine in engineering. </p>

<p>I would take a job right away as a ChemE since your employer is very likely to pay for an MEng or MS later on thus eliminating any possible debt. A BS probably wont close many doors other than jobs that require a PhD, but a BS can do what an MS can most of the time. </p>

<p>As far as if you should do ChemE I would judge that based of how much you enjoy you first ChemE class (probably material balance). If you find it somewhat interesting than continue if not reconsider.</p>

3

<p>Also, if you are admitted to a PhD program in chemical engineering, it will often be funded with research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or fellowships.</p>

4

<p>I have a Chem E degree. I agree with viciouspoultry. </p>

<p>Your toughest class will probably be organic chemistry 2.</p>

5

<p>I didn’t care much for mass balance. Thermo was way more interesting.</p>